Marcos urges China to speed up ASEAN-China Code of Conduct talks

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. emphasized the need for urgency in negotiating the ASEAN-China Code of Conduct during the 27th ASEAN-China Summit in Laos on Thursday.

Marcos stated Friday that the responsibility now lies with China to accelerate talks, noting that ASEAN has been waiting for a long time and urging member states to address unresolved issues such as geographic scope and self-restraint.

He criticized China's aggression and disregard for international law, emphasizing the need to maintain presence in the South China Sea to protect sovereignty and territorial rights.

Marcos urged leaders of the bloc and Chinese Premier Li Qiang to be earnestly open to managing differences and reducing tension during the summit.

The Philippines' transparent approach under Marcos has highlighted China's harassment in its own waters, with other claimants like Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand also voicing their concerns regarding the South China Sea.

Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to deepening ASEAN-China relations through a comprehensive approach while stressing the importance of resolving maritime issues for regional peace and cooperation.